WHAT have 3,000 year old ruins, perfume manufacture and lace got to do with one of Cyprus’ most luxurious hotels? Plenty, as I discovered during a recent visit to the Parklane Limassol.
But first, the hotel itself. Imagine a gleaming white cruise ship rising up before you, only it’s on the beach, not in the water. The white continues within, most strikingly in the five-storey high atrium where it is interrupted by a shimmering chandelier raining down from high and splashing colour from its thousand glass petals. Up in my room, the white walls are beautifully offset by the rich cherry wood of the doors and furniture.
Aerial view of Parklane beach
Outdoor terrace of LPM restaurant
Opened in 1989 to plug into Cyprus’ rapidly expanding tourism sector, the hotel began a three-year refurbishment in 2016 to become part of Marriott Bonvoy’s Luxury Collection Resort & Spa arm. More than a thousand art works and installations were introduced with a brief to champion Cypriot heritage as much as contemporary élan.
Kalloni Spa, thalassotherapy pool
The geometric motifs of lefkaritika, Cypriot lace making, forms an integral part of the décor and furnishings, from the fretwork adorning the lobby to the bedside lamps in my room. In the charming mountain village of Pano Lefkara, reached after a 40 minute drive through parched, tree-studded countryside, it was lovely to see women continuing the tradition, transforming linen into works of art beneath the shade of an awning or, in the case of café owner Afrodite Nikolaou, creating her famous “lace biscuits” in which she replicates the intricate embroidery patterns for the topping.
Padel court at Parklane
Nearer to the hotel stand the remains of Amathous, a city-state that emerged in 11th century BC, long before the Greeks overran the island, and was home to the world’s oldest known perfume factory. In celebration of this remarkable aspect of Cypriot history on its doorstep, Parklane Limassol has created a signature scent based on excavated fragrances and holds workshops led by Phylaktis Lazarou, an expert in ancient perfumery.
I attended one and, after an enjoyable hour smelling various scents, ended up creating my very own fragrance. However, I named it Twilight Zone, not quite sure whether I liked it or not.
Superior Sea View room
Comprising 222 rooms and 52 suites and villas, and six bars and restaurants – superlative cuisine all round – Parklane Limassol has a Dubai-style flavour, boasting high end fine dining brands La Petite Maison aka LPM – think French Riviera and lots of ooh la la – and Nammos – buzz, beach and plenty of beats – as well as luxury boutiques like Dior and Loewe.
Balcony view overlooking the Med
Pools and more pools
While there is an adults-only section with its own pool, families are most welcome, with an extensive children’s club making sure the little ones are kept busy. There are two other pools, one of them saltwater, but I headed for the sands and after a lazy swim indulged in a relaxing massage at the stylish Kalloni Spa. For the more energetic, the gym, padel and tennis courts await.
Village of Lefkara, lined with lace shops
Limassol is just 15 minutes away, a booming port city that ironically owes its accelerated development to the partition of the island that followed Turkey’s catastrophic 1974 invasion. I spent an evening in the lively Marina district, location of Limassol Castle where wandering crusader Richard the Lionheart famously got married, getting my full of excellent Greek fayre at Karatello Tavern next door. Having attended a wine-tasting at the hill-side Dafermou Winery, I made sure I washed it down with a refreshing glass of home-grown xynisteri vino.
by Angela Cobbinah
Rates start from £200 per night in low season, including breakfast. To book, visit www.parklanecyprus.com / email reservations@parklanecyprus.com.